Overview

• India's school dropout rates have steadily declined, with primary levels at 1.9%, upper primary at 5.2%, and secondary levels at 14.1%.
• Retention rates remain a challenge, dropping from 85.4% at primary levels to just 45.6% at higher secondary levels.
• Digital infrastructure in schools has significantly improved, with 57.2% of schools now equipped with computers and 53.9% having internet access, up from 38.5% and 22.3%, respectively, in 2019-20.
• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 continues to guide reforms, aiming for universal enrolment and emphasizing technology integration, teacher training, and personalized learning.
• Two new early childhood education initiatives, Aadharshila and Navchetana, were launched in 2024 to enhance foundational learning for children aged up to six years.